Stay Calm, Be Methodical After An Accident

Your chances of being in an accident in any given year are greater than one in ten. Accidents happen to even the best drivers, and sometimes there’s simply nothing you can do to avoid one.

Immediately following a collision you are involved in, stay calm. If you’re still moving, stop As soon as possible and pull as far off the road as far you can. Turn off your car to minimize the chance of fire, and then exit the car and move away from it out of the path of passing traffic.

As soon as possible, check to see if you or anyone with you is injured. Call the police and emergency squad to report the accident and seek medical attention if needed. Answer any questions the police or medical services people may ask to the best of your ability.

Next Steps
After the primary steps you need to take, there are a number of things you should do to make the post-accident process go as smoothly as possible.

Get the name, driver’s license and auto insurance, and contact information for any drivers involved in the accident. Also get their insurance coverage and contact information.

The more information you have, the better, so if possible, make note of the type and model of cars involved and their plate numbers. Get the names and numbers of any witnesses to the accident as well. They may be needed to give their testimony as to what occurred.

If you have a camera, document the accident as best you can. Also photograph any injuries you or your passengers may have sustained as soon as possible after the accident (even if that’s after you leave the medical center or hospital). As soon as possible, write down and draw a picture of you recollection of what happened. Include the time of day, the date and any weather factors that might have contributed to the accident.

If the police are present, you will be asked to tell them what you recall. Answer all of their questions as accurately and completely as possible. Make sure to ask about getting a copy of any accident reports they plan to file. Also record the name of the police officer or officers who are handling the post-accident situation, and the name and location of their police headquarters so that you can easily follow up with them.

Once you are given permission by the police to leave, determine if your car is road-worthy. If so, you can drive from the scene. If not, call your road assistance agency or arrange to have your car towed if you don’t belong to such an organization.

Finally, contact your auto insurance company and report the accident to them as soon as you are able. Also contact the insurance company of any other driver who is considered at fault in the accident to begin the process of seeking compensation from them.

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Rev. V.1 - 11-14-2007